The very first rule that needs to be followed in this guessing game is; do not expect too much. The lesser you expect the merrier you will be. So once you have successfully brought the expectation bar low. Let your imagination run the wildest race, but remember if it’s a gift exchange program than do not adjust your giving on your low expected present. For that do good research works before you settle down for anything.
Telephonic conversations are very effective, because during these conversations you can easily cover your expressions and unintentional facial reactions. So try cross-questioning over the phone. While pretending that you are busy doing something else, and if you know that other person lacks sense of shopping. Than there is absolutely nothing wrong in mentioning your current wants and needs.
Talking about current sale in town is also a good way to narrow down your focus, or just randomly discussing market share of different brands and their product quality.
Talking about a troubled friend who is still deciding on what to buy as a valentine present. Is not a bad ideas, the only problem is that it gives out too much information and secondly very few people like to see replicas of their present or idea at least. So try to dig out information with minimal chances of getting caught. This can only be done by looking slightly lost, unconcerned or overly occupied. Also give considerable breaks between different attempts.
If you can hold your horses well, than just wait for the surprise to come to you. The smile that ting of shock and spontaneousness can bring to you, the correct guess might not. And before unwrapping anything, remember! It’s the thought that counts……old,chessy but true